Hydroquinone Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: A Simple Model Reaction to Understand the Factors which Determine Their Nucleation and Growth

M. A. PEREZ; R. MOIRAGHI; E. A. CORONADO; V. A. MACAGNO

CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN

American Chemical Society

Lugar: Washington; Año: 2008 vol. 8 p. 1377 - 1377

1528-7483

p>The simple experimental model system based on the reaction between silver (I) and the hydroquinone has been used to investigate the synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (NP?s) in aqueous media. Progressive nucleation and autocatalytic surface growth were found to be the relevant processes which control the morphology. The effect of synthetic parameters (like chemical nature of the metallic precursor, hydroquinone concentration, stabilization agents and ligands) on the NP?s nucleation and growth are discussed on the basis of the optical properties, morphological characterization, and electrodynamics calculations. A very important dependence of the NP?s final morphology on the procedure of mixing of reactants was found connected to the metallic precursor nature. Ammonia solutions containing strong stabilization agents are demonstrated to help to control shape/size by quenching the autocatalytic surface growth.